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Let's Be Open About Mental Health To Break The Stigma Campaign

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Let's Be Open About Mental Health To Break The Stigma Campaign

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We all have mental health, just like we all have physical health, the aim of the campaign is to try and encourage open conversations about our mental health to try and prevent it from being a difficult subject to talk about and to challenge the stigma associated with mental illnesses.

For more information on how the campaign started please click here

Social media:-
Facebook :- @LetsBeOpenAboutMentalHealth
Twitter :- @LetsBreakStigma
Contact Details :-
Email - ben.salmons@nhs.net
Phone - 07554 222668

(Photos below taken pre-lockdown)

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To find out what is on at The Higgins Bedford during lockdown please click here

Social media:-
Facebook - @TheHigginsBedford
Twitter - @higginsbedford
Instagram - thehigginsbedford

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World Through A Window - Haiku by James Day

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World Through A Window - Haiku by James Day

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"During the lockdown, I've enjoyed a walk almost every day. There is a wonderment as time passes us by. The spring blossom, summer leaves swaying in the breeze, fiery colours of autumn leaves and the low setting winter sun! This inspired my Haiku and drawing!" - James

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Poem and artwork created by Becky Ballaam

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Poem and artwork created by Becky Ballaam

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The Bedfordshire Wellbeing Service offers a range of free and confidential talking therapies and specialist support to help you feel better.

For more information here is a link to their website :-
Bedfordshire Wellbeing Service

Social media :-
Facebook - @BedfordshireWellbeingService
Twitter - @BedfordshireWS
Instagram - bedfodshirews

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We can deliver therapy digitally so you can get the help you need now. We are evolving and adapting with the help of our service users to deliver an efficient service. If you are unable to email you can call 01234 880400. You can still self-referral by clicking "Get Started". We are currently prioritising all NHS and Care Workers.

We can deliver therapy digitally so you can get the help you need now. We are evolving and adapting with the help of our service users to deliver an efficient service. If you are unable to email you can call 01234 880400. You can still self-referral by clicking "Get Started". We are currently prioritising all NHS and Care Workers.

Webinar

Coping with Long Term Conditions in Times of Uncertainty

We recognise that individuals with Long Term Conditions have been impacted severely from COVID-19.

Join our free NHS mental health webinar where you will learn new tools & techniques to help you manage your mental wellbeing during stressful times.

Before the session you will be asked to complete our "Quick Stress Check" online via email.

For more information go to our Events page.

Webinar

Pregnancy & Motherhood in Uncertain Times

This session will be a one off free webinar delivered by one of our Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWP).

You will learn new tools and techniques to help you manage your mental wellbeing during stressful times.

Before the session you will be asked to complete our "Quick Stress Check" online via email.

For more information go to our Events page.

Webinar

Men's Mental Health Webinar

This webinar session will be delivered digitally by one of our Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWP) and your attendance will be completely anonymous.

All you need is either a mobile telephone, laptop or desktop computer with speakers.

You will learn new tools and techniques to help you manage your mental wellbeing during stressful times.

Before the session you will be asked to complete our "Quick Stress Check" online via email.

Go to our Events page for more details

Announcement

Long Term Condition Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

The Bedfordshire Wellbeing Service provides support for individuals who have been diagnosed, whether recently or longstanding, with a Long Term condition (LTC). Individuals with an LTC commonly experience mental health distress such as Depression and Anxiety. We have therapists who have completed specialist training to support individuals with an LTC. Please see below for an understanding of some of the conditions we offer support for:

- Diabetes
- COPD/ Respiratory Conditions
- Cancer
- Persistent Physical Pain
- IBS

Support is offered through 1-1 digital therapy, online computerised therapy and LTC focused groups.

For more information go to our How We Help page.

Webinar

Managing Mental Health in Times of Uncertainty

This webinar is suitable for anybody struggling with low mood or anxiety specifically around current circumstances.
The content will include the facts about Coronavirus, understanding worry, low mood and anxiety and a selection of brief practical strategies you can learn to tackle these difficulties.

The webinar can be viewed using a computer/laptop, tablet or mobile device. The webinar will be a presentation with a selection of slides - attendees only need to watch and listen.

Through talking therapies we will help you get to the root of your problems and to manage and overcome your difficulties.

Once I'd made up my mind to get help, the rest was really straight forward and the help I received was life changing.

To get in touch by phone, please call us on 01234 880400 Monday to Friday.

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We can deliver therapy digitally so you can get the help you need now. We are evolving and adapting with the help of our service users to deliver an efficient service. If you are unable to email you can call 01234 880400. You can still self-referral by clicking "Get Started".

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Artwork and photography by Suzie Simkins

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Artwork and photography by Suzie Simkins

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What is Self-Compassion? What are Compassionate Statements? How do you become more self compassionate? Please watch the video to find out.

Content created by Clinical Psychologist Gail Bellamy and Assistant Psychologist Elizabeth Leahy. Photography and video - Ben Salmons - Break The Stigma Campaign Lead and Becky Ballaam

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Content created by Clinical Psychologist Gail Bellamy and Assistant Psychologist Elizabeth Leahy. Photography -  Ben Salmons - Break The Stigma Campaign Lead

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Artwork and Photography by Jay Worthington

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Artwork and Photography by Jay Worthington

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Photocopy of work created by a patient in hospital for this project

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Photocopy of work created by a patient in hospital for this project

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Every Mind Matters - Looking after your mental health

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Every Mind Matters - Looking after your mental health

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Having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more. We have expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.

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Feeling stressed, anxious, low or struggling to sleep? Every Mind Matters can help with expert advice, practical tips and personalised actions to help stay on top of your mental wellbeing.

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Bedford Borough Council Sports Development Unit

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Bedford Borough Council Sports Development Unit

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We would like to help you to do exercise at home and to remain active during these difficult and unpredictable times. There are different sessions throughout the week including Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi  and many more. There is a social Coffee & Chat every Wednesday too. Please follow this link for a full timetable and how to join the classes :- Bedford Sport Live

Social Media :-
Facebook - @bedfordsportsdevelopment
Twitter - @boroughsports

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For more information on 'Carers In Bedfordshire' here is a link to their website :-
Carers In Bedfordshire

Social media :-
Facebook - @CarersInBedfordshire
Twitter - @CarersInBeds

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Reading Well for children recommends reading to help children understand their feelings and worries and cope with tough times. The books have been chosen by children, carers, health experts and librarians. They are endorsed by leading health organisations such as NHS England, Mind and the Royal College of GPs.
The booklist is targeted at children in Key Stage 2 (aged 7-11) and includes a wide range of reading levels to support less confident readers, and to encourage children to read together with their siblings and carers.

Here is a link to the books on Bedford Borough & Central Bedfordshire's Virtual Library :- Reading Well for Children Books

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Poem and artwork created by Isma

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How is nature beneficial to our mental health?

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How is nature beneficial to our mental health?

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Content created by Clinical Psychologist Gail Bellamy and Assistant Psychologist Elizabeth Leahy

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Photocopy of work created by a patient in hospital for this project

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Photocopy of work created by a patient in hospital for this project

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Shout 85258 - Get help - free, 24/7 confidential mental health text support service.

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Shout 85258 - Get help - free, 24/7 confidential mental health text support service.

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For more information here is a link to their website :- Give us a shout

Social media :-
Facebook - @giveusashoutuk
Twitter - @GiveUsAShout

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Reading Well for Mental Health provides information and support for people with common mental health needs and for dealing with difficult feelings and experiences. The books provide quality-assured information, practical advice for living with mental health needs and support for self-management. The list also includes personal stories written by people living with mental health needs and their carers.

Here is a link to the books on Bedford Borough & Central Bedfordshire's Virtual Library :- Reading Well for Adults

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CAMHS Talk - Child Adolescent Mental Health Service

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CAMHS Talk - Child Adolescent Mental Health Service

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A series of interviews brought to you jointly by the Luton and Bedford Participation Group and by the Luton and Bedford CAMHS Team. Both are part of the East London NHS Foundation Trust.

Here is a link to their web page :- CAMHS Talk

Here is a link to East London NHS Foundation Trusts Child Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) website :- CAMHS

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Shelf Help is an initiative to help young people aged 13-18 years manage their mental health, wellbeing and emotional resilience. It provides a booklist covering twelve topics and conditions including anxiety, depression, self-harm, body image and eating disorders, as well as life experiences such as bullying. The booklist features non-fiction, information and self-help material as well as memoirs, graphic novels and fiction. The books have been selected by Health Professionals and co-created by a team of young people who have lived with mental health conditions.

Here is a link to the books on Bedford Borough & Central Bedfordshire's Virtual Library :- Shelf Help for 13-18 year old's

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This piece was created by M.Thomas who passed away in 2020. He contributed so much to The Let's Be Open About Mental Health To Break The Stigma campaign since it started in 2015. He wrote this beautiful poem about 'Hope' back in 2016.

Rest In Peace my friend - Ben x

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So Beautiful to watch, the sky lantern climbing higher and higher in the night time sky! Floating away on a summer breeze, lighter than the air. Dedicated to the memory of loved ones

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When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year.
You can call them for free on 116 123.
Email them at jo@samaritans.org
For more information and to find your local branch here is a link to the Samaritans website :- Samaritans

Social Media :-
Facebook - @samaritanscharity
Twitter - @samaritans

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Free Hugs Coming Soon - because that is what I miss most!! created by Anne-Marie

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Free Hugs Coming Soon - because that is what I miss most!! created by Anne-Marie

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For more information and to view their prospectus with all the available courses here is a link to their web page :- Bedfordshire & Luton Recovery College
To enrol on a course :- Online enrolment form

Social media:-
Facebook - @rcluton
Twitter - @RC_BedsLuton

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Artwork created by Eloise Cawood

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How Does Practicing Mindfulness Benefit Our Mental Health?

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How Does Practicing Mindfulness Benefit Our Mental Health?

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Here are some links to some useful websites:-

Headspace
NHS Approved Apps

Content created by Clinical Psychologist Gail Bellamy and Assistant Psychologist Elizabeth Leahy

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Lizzie - Assistant psychologist :-
"A grounding exercise, like the one I am going to introduce today, can help to slow your breathing, slow your heart-rate, and may help you feel better able to cope with your emotions and tackle the day ahead."

Content created by Gail Bellamy - Clinical  Psychologist and Elizabeth Leahy - Assistant Psychologist

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East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT) Provides a wide range of community and inpatient services across East London and Bedfordshire & Luton.

For more information and where to access help and support please see their website :- East London NHS Foundation Trust

Social media :-
Facebook - @EastLondonNHSFoundationTrust
Twitter - @NHS_ELFT

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The Azure window was situated in the Maltese Island of Gozo. It was a natural arch formed in the cliffs over thousands of years! Even though a busy tourist area, there was always a spot I could find peace. The beauty was breathtaking, but at the same time it was always eroding away! In March 2017, a storm completely destroyed it. One of my favourite times was hearing a busker playing traditional Maltese folk tunes and enjoying an ice cream with the warm spring sun sparkling on the azure sea.

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Photocopy of work created by a patient in hospital for this project

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Photocopy of work created by a patient in hospital for this project

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For more information on Mind BLMK and the services they offer, here is a link to their website:- Mind BLMK

Social media :-
Facebook - @mindblmk
Twitter - @MindBLMK

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Photocopy of work created by a patient in hospital for this project

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Photocopy of work created by a patient in hospital for this project

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What are the benefits of doing arts and crafts for your mental health?

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What are the benefits of doing arts and crafts for your mental health?

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Content created by Clinical Psychologist Gail Bellamy, Assistant Psychologist Elizabeth Leahy

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How does learning new skills improve out mental wellbeing?

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How does learning new skills improve out mental wellbeing?

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Content created by Clinical Psychologist Gail Bellamy and Assistant Psychologist Elizabeth Leahy

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Mental health crisis support is available 24/7 for all ages in Bedfordshire and Luton by contacting NHS 111 (Option 2)

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Mental health crisis support is available 24/7 for all ages in Bedfordshire and Luton by contacting NHS 111 (Option 2)

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For more information on this service please click here

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For more information please have a look at these links :-
Mind website
Types of mental health problems
Helping someone else